Expert Tips on How to Seal a Wine Bottle without a Cork
Even if you’ve lost the cork, these tips from wine experts and sommeliers will let you save your opened bottles of wine.
Written by Caitlin Bensel
Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to cork a bottle of wine but the cork is gone, unfitting, or has broken or crumbled? Finding a solution can be as vexatious as figuring out
how to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. Fortunately, we’re here to provide expert-recommended methods to seal a wine bottle without a cork.
“In situations like this, the most straightforward solution is to drink the remainder of the bottle,” quips certified sommelier Daniel Beedle, the assistant F&B director at
in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In all seriousness, all you need is something to keep the bottle airtight and prevent oxidation – it should not alter the wine’s taste.
“Believe me, I’ve seen some interesting things get shoved into wine bottles when corks accidentally get thrown away or don’t fit,” says Kaye Askins, owner of Best Little Wine and Books, a wine bar and retail bottle shop in Historic Downtown Lockhart, Texas. “Thick linen hand towels from the restroom being one of them, which was both hilarious and horrifying.”
Leave it to a handful of crafty wine experts and sommeliers who have been there, done that—to help solve the problem. Below, each one shares an inventive (and sanitary!) way to hack this problem with things you probably already have lying around the house.
Related: Does Wine Freeze?
Both Beedle and Askins suggest grabbing plastic wrap from your pantry and a hair tie or rubber band. “Cover the opening, hold it tight over the lip of the bottle, and wrap a rubber band, hair tie, or scrunchie high up on the neck to keep it in place and oxygen from getting in,” says Askins, who adds that putting open wines in the fridge is really the key to slow down oxidation, which is what makes wine taste bland if it’s open too long.
This method also works with a zip-top plastic bag, sharedby sommelier Anne Hampton, CS, CSW, CSS, manager at Chophouse Nexton in Summerville, South Carolina. “And if you’re traveling, try rolling a plastic bag into the shape of a cork to seal the bottle’s opening,” she says. Still, make sure to keep the bottle upright in the vehicle, to avoid any chance of a spill.
Steven Rogers, wine director and head of food and beverage at Virgin Hotels New Orleans always suggests creating your own homemade wine bladder: “Pour the wine into a zip-top plastic bag bag, extract the air from the bag, and then place your makeshift wine bladder in the refrigerator. Keep your bottle or, if you have a decanter, discard the bottle. When you’re ready to enjoy the wine, snip the corner of the zip-top plastic bag to decant into the bottle or decanter and enjoy.”
Atlanta-based culinary and lifestyle tastemaker Erica Thomas uses a balloon to preserve wine after hosting her exclusive supper club dinners, when a large number of bottles are opened and not fully consumed. “Simply stretch a small balloon over the neck of the bottle, and secure it with a rubber band,” she suggests. “This creates an airtight seal and will help extend the life of opened wine bottles. You can even use colored balloons to add a touch of flair or to distinguish between red and white wines.”
Michelle LaBorde, sommelier at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, Tennessee, utilizes whiskey corks to replace wine bottle corks that have gone missing or broken. “The bourbon tops are almost always universally suitable for both bourbon and wine bottles,” she explains.
Bill Brillinger, chief sommelier and lead bar manager at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, agrees. “One of my favourite methods to seal a bottle of wine without a cork is usually the stopper from a bourbon bottle. Most all of them come with a nice cork stopper and I always have a bottle or two around. Unquestionably, the most inventive I needed to be was when camping. I had to use a baby carrot as that’s all I had. Unexpectedly, it worked quite well, and the carrot was even better with a bit of wine on it.”
Get creative with other stretchy substances you have, like latex or silicone. “You could use a latex glove—bonus points if you blow it up to look like a turkey,” says Ian Rynecki, general manager of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Or look in your drawers for those reusable silicone caps. “They are made of food-grade silicone and will fit snugly over the wine bottle’s opening, creating an airtight seal,” says certified sommelier Bardia Ketabi, general manager of The Pembroke in Washington, DC. “You just need to place it on top of the bottle, and its flexibility allows it to fit securely. They’re also easy to clean and reusable, which is a plus. I also love that they come in a range of colors and designs, so they allow for personalization and easy identification.”
If none of those options work, we’ve got one more trick up our sleeves. “I’ve found that transferring leftover wine to an old jelly or pickle jar works great,” said Tom Croghan, co-owner and lead winemaker of The Vineyards at Dodon in Davidsonville, Maryland. “While it’s not elegant or glamorous, the best way to preserve wine after removing the cork is limiting the amount of ‘headspace’ in the container, so using any glass jars you may already have around your house is a great option.”
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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Discover Oklahoma’s Unique Lunchbox Drink: An Unusual Blend of Beer and Orange Juice
While numerous U.S. cities boast signature dishes – such as the well-known Chicago-style hot dogs, Philadelphia cheese steaks, and Baltimore crab cakes – city-specific cocktails don’t share the same popularity. Indeed, New York has its Manhattan and New Orleans its Sazerac, apart from that, what else? Maybe the beer that put Milwaukee on the map? (To clarify, this characteristic beer is Schlitz, a previously idle beer brand that made an unexpected comeback in the 21st century.)
Nonetheless, Oklahoma City does claim a lesser-known cocktail as its speciality: The Lunchbox. This unique concoction is a spin on the beer-mosa as it’s prepared by blending beer with orange juice. And not any random beer, but specifically Coors Light, which is brewed in multiple locations (including Milwaukee, former home of Schlitz), but not in Oklahoma. The Lunchbox also includes a hint of amaretto which adds a note of sweetness to the libation and marginally ups its alcohol content.
You might like: Popular Vodka Brands Ranked From Worst To Best
Oklahoma City firmly states that the Lunchbox is its signature cocktail. However, the claim is slightly more localized than it first appears. This distinctive drink is the official beverage of a local bar named Edna’s. The signature cocktail was allegedly created by the namesake owner, Edna Scott, back in the early ’90s. While attempting to create a different drink, Edna supposedly stumbled upon The Lunchbox – although the details of her original intent are unclear. Speculation from her daughter, Tammy Lucas, suggests it may have been a boilermaker. Still, the true story remains uncertain as Edna passed away in 2014.
Edna’s Mistake is a popular drink that gained prominence in the ’00s when it went viral. By now, Edna’s bar is best known for this drink, with more than 2,789,251 sold by the end of 2022. The bar is hopeful that they have surpassed their 3 million milestone.
Known as the Lunchbox, this simple drink consists of Coors Light and orange juice mixed in equal proportions with a splash of amaretto. The defining aspect of the Lunchbox is its presentation in a frosted mug, a factor credited by Edna’s grandson, Michael Whitney, for the drink’s success. There is such a demand for these chilled mugs that two entire freezers are dedicated to them.
There have been several interpretations of Lunchbox with 14 different variations available at Edna’s. Some of the popular versions include the Zombie Box, the ’80s style Sex on the Box with an addition of cranberry juice, the Docbox which swaps the orange juice with cranberry, the Mauibox that opts for pineapple juice, and the Tootsie Roll Box which has a hint of crème de cacao. A non-alcoholic version, called the Boombox, is also available.
Find out more about non-alcoholic beer here.
While Edna’s claims originality, the Lunchbox is available in other bars, particularly in Oklahoma City. For those interested in a more sophisticated spin, Jimmy B’s offers an Anime Lunchbox that retains the amaretto but replaces the regular orange juice with yuzu and beer with shōchū. A topper of Sapporo foam adds a beer-like frothiness to the concoction.
Read more on the intricacies of regional cocktails here.
Other locations, such as Bellingham, Washington, also serve their unique variations of the drop shot. Their specialty is the Peruvian Bearf***er, a twist on the Lunchbox, but with Captain Morgan’s in place of Amaretto. However, the ratio of beer to orange juice can vary according to the individual preparing the drink. Generally, beer is preferred over orange juice. An alternate form of the Lunchbox, introduced in Baton Rouge in 1993 by a bartender named Pam Sandoz at the Gold Club, an adult entertainment establishment, incorporates peach schnapps into the beer-orange juice blend, and Bacardi 151 rum into the amaretto drop shot.
To know more, read the original article on Mashed.
Unraveling the Mystery: Why Russians Sniff Bread After Drinking Vodka
Russia is famous for its delectable cuisine and ample quantities of vodka. The widespread practice of downing vodka shots straight is a direct impact of Russian tradition. The nation’s extreme respect for vodka is even mirrored in its origin; the term literally translates to “little water”. Vodka is the main component in the widely loved White Russian cocktail, and drinking vodka solo comes with a distinct custom: a chaser not meant for swallowing but for sniffing. In Russia, it’s the norm to sniff a loaf of bread after downing a shot of vodka. Seems odd? Give it a shot before passing judgment.
Sniffing bread is essentially a scientific experiment, delving into the innatural relationship between smell and taste within our olfactory system. The aroma of the bread supposedly eases the swallowing of vodka, but the practice is also emblematic. Chasing potent alcohol with a fervent declaration crowned with a whiff of glutinous delight, the gastronome signals the purity of their intentions. The subtext is “I’m not merely gulping vodka for the buzz,” but “I’m here for the quality food and superior companionship.”
Read further: 23 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking Gin
The connection between Russia and vodka may trace back to Russian chemist, Dmitri Mendeleev, believed to have standardized vodka at 40% ABV. In Russia, January 31 is marked as Vodka Day in honor of Mendeleev’s defense of his dissertation titled “On Combining Water and Alcohol” in 1865, four years prior to the publication of the Periodic Table of Elements.
Social drinking in Russia is characterized by togetherness and abundance. Even the Russia-themed episode of Anthony Bourdain’s first show “A Cook’s Tour” is playfully subtitled “So Much Vodka, So Little Time,” and part of this renowned national limit may be credited to consistent snacking while savoring “so much” vodka. In Russia, drinking isn’t something to be done in solitude, or without an extensive variety of Russian snacks (zakuski) such as pickles, black rye bread, salted herring, and caviar. As per tradition, if you don’t have adequate funds to provide snacks like these, then you sniff the bread by tearing off a piece. Even after stomachs are filled with food, the shots and the sniffing continue.
The reality that drinking straight vodka takes place regardless of the presence of such a spread is a homage to the liquor’s solidified position as a regular element in Russian life. Even if food is scarce, bread can always be sniffed as a gesture of propriety, and no shot in Russia is complete without a complex toast (another acknowledgement to the central point of togetherness).
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
New Additions to Magazine Street: A Wine Bar/Shop and Italian Restaurant
Patron Saint is a wine shop that also operates as a wine bar located on Magazine Street in New Orleans. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Start discussing wine and the tales seem to effortlessly unravel. Whether it’s the type of wine, the vintner, the region where it was produced or perhaps the perfect food combination, it’s so much more enjoyable when you can pop open and taste the wine during the conversation.
This is the adaptable power of wine stores that also function as wine bars. There’s been an increase in this niche across New Orleans, creating a unique hub in the city’s hospitality landscape which combines specialty retail stores with social interactions.
Patron Saint is a wine shop that also serves as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
The most recent instance is Patron Saint, and it was inaugurated around Thanksgiving at 1152 Magazine St. located in the Lower Garden District.
It is created by the duo, Leslie Pariseau and Tony Biancosino, who are also soon opening a new Italian tavern and pizzeria just beside it named St. Pizza, depicted as a “red sauce Italian joint” by Biancosino.
Leslie Pariseau manages Patron Saint, it’s not just a wine shop but also functions as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans. (NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Patron Saint is located in the same facility as the Merchant House store for furniture and décor. It might be easy to overlook while passing through Magazine Street, but it leaves a profound impression once you step inside.
This is a stylishly designed reuse of an old industrial space, with an airy roominess that feels calming and inviting.
Patron Saint is a wine shop that doubles as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
The long marble bar is the centerpiece to Patron Saint, with a few tables set around the room too.
Patron Saint is a wine shop that doubles as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Pariseau has concentrated the choice on low intervention wines (commonly known as natural wines) and from minor producers globally. A broad range of hard cider is also a speciality here.
There is always a ready line-up of around six wines by the glass (and usually a cider).
What’s on our menu fluctuates almost every day. But one constant is the effortless interaction with our staff who have also sampled the shop’s selection and provide guidance across the bar.
Patron Saint is a wine outlet that also functions as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Customers can enjoy plates of cheese, salami, or imported canned seafood alongside their wine. They also have the option to take these home. A variety of breads and a small range of specialty foods are also available.
Pariseau and Biancosino founded Patron Saint during the pandemic. Initially, it was a collaboration with Coquette and Lucy Boone Ice Cream in the restaurant space that is currently Lengua Madre. The collaboration was temporary and evolved as the pandemic situation did. However, the feedback from the local community inspired them to expand the wine shop cum wine bar.
Pariseau, who is a writer and producer and co-founder of PUNCH, a media brand focusing on drinks and drinking culture, ensures that the descriptions of wines displayed in the store are both fun and enlightening. This clearly reflects the witty charm of a wine buyer who also happens to be a writer.
Patron Saint is not just a wine shop but also a wine bar situated on Magazine Street in New Orleans. (Staff photo by Ian McNulty, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
“Wine is deep and never-ending and a lens through which to see nature and people and climate change and agriculture and capitalism—and we can get as deep into that as anyone wants to—but it’s just a beginning point,” Pariseau said. “It would be nothing without the people drinking it and the conversation around it.”
The selection of wines by the glass is constantly changing at Patron Saint, a wine shop that doubles as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans.
Biancosino, who works in TV and film, grew up in New Jersey in a family that ran restaurants outside Philadelphia. He’s been pining for the type of casual Italian restaurants he knew from back home, and that’s the intent behind St. Pizza.
Patron Saint is a wine shop that doubles as a wine bar on Magazine Street in New Orleans.
NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Just a couple of steps away from the local wine store, you’ll find St. Pizza. One of its prominent features is the exposed pizza oven at the front – a perfect spot to grab a slice or use their convenient take-out service through the sidewalk window.
If you venture a bit further, you will be greeted by a curtain that leads you to a cozy dining area adorned with elegant dark wood trim. Offering more than just pizza, they also serve other Italian favorites such as subs, meatballs and spaghetti from their bar.
At present, St. Pizza is almost ready for their grand launch coming this January.
Adding to the growing list of local wine bars and stores, Patron Saint brings a warm and personal spirit that embodies the essence of local businesses. These qualities certainly present a refreshing antidote against the often impersonal and cold environment of large-scale retail stores and online shopping sites.
The Little House is a wine bar and wine shop located in Algiers Point.
This year, we welcomed the Little House at 640 Bounty St. in Algiers Point. With its spacious outdoor patio, it’s only about two miles away from Really Really Nice Wines at 3500 Magazine St.
Swirl Wine Bar & Market is a favourite neighbourhood spot known for serving wines by the glass, in addition to its retail selection.
They join existing places like Swirl Wine Bar & Market which is located at 3143 Ponce de Leon St. in Mid-City. It has a secret patio and offers Italian wine, Faubourg Wines at 2805 St. Claude Ave. where you can enjoy a glass of wine as you wait for the Press Street train to pass; The Independent Caveau at 1228 S. White St., which is a hidden treasure located behind the Restaurant Depot and offers a unique first glass deli case; and Ultimately, the very hidden gem Next to Nothing Wines at 3928 Euphrosine St., which can be found on the loading dock of the Art Egg Building off Earhart Boulevard.
Proprietor Steve Bishoff welcomes a guest to his wine bar at Next to Nothing Wines in the ArtEgg Studios building.
The concept isn’t new in New Orleans. Martin Wine Cellar has long offered wine by the glass between the racks.
But now the idea is blooming in different ways, and I’ll drink to that.
1152 Magazine St., 504-321-7771
Thu., Fri., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun., Mon. noon-8 p.m. (closed Tue., Wed.)
Follow Where NOLA Eats on Instagram at @wherenolaeats, join the Where NOLA Eats Facebook group and subscribe to the free Where NOLA Eats weekly newsletter here.
Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@theadvocate.com.
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Unveiling the Mystery: Why Russians Sniff Bread After Drinking Vodka
Russia is renowned for its excellent food and abundant vodka. Drinking shots of straight vodka is an influence from Russian culture that’s embraced globally. Even the word “vodka” reflects how revered the spirit is in Russia; it translates to “little water” in English. The spirit is a critical component in the widely enjoyed White Russian cocktail. However, when consumed neat, vodka comes with a unique drinking ritual: sniffing bread, not swallowing it, after a shot. It might sound odd, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
The bread-sniffing ritual is less about the oddity and more about the inherent relationship between aroma and taste, as experienced through the olfactory system. The fragrance of the bread purportedly enhances the vodka’s smoothness. However, it’s not merely about the physical experience but also the symbolic act. By following the liquor with a fervent inhalation of the bread’s scent, drinkers symbolically express their sincerity. They communicate that they’re not merely drinking vodka for the high, but also for the appreciation of good food and great company.
Find more interesting reads: 23 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking Gin
The affinity for vodka in Russia might have started with Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. He is believed to have standardized vodka to 40% Alcohol By Volume (ABV). Russians even celebrate January 31 as Vodka Day to mark Mendeleev’s defense of his dissertation “On Combining Water and Alcohol” in 1865, four years before he published the Periodic Table of Elements.
Social drinking in Russia is marked by unity and plenty. This is wonderfully exemplified in the Russian-inspired installment of Anthony Bourdain’s renowned show “A Cook’s Tour”, which carries the playful name “So Much Vodka, So Little Time.” Much of this famed national skill could be attributable to the regular snacking that accompanies the frequent vodka shots. In Russian culture, alcohol consumption isn’t seen as something to do in solitude, or without an elaborate array of Russian snacks, such as pickles, black rye bread, salted herring, and caviar. As per tradition, if your wallet does not allow for a spread like this, you make do by tearing off and sniffing a piece of bread. The vodka shots and bread-sniffing persist even after stomachs are sated with food.
The practice of drinking vodka neat, even when there isn’t ample food supply, stands as a testament to its deep-seated role in Russian everyday life. Even if food is scarce, one always has the option to sniff bread as a sign of propriety. Furthermore, no vodka shot in Russia is considered complete without a grandiose toast, once again emphasizing the significance of unity and togetherness.
For more, you can refer to the original article on Tasting Table.
Debunking the Myth about Alcohol Content in Rum Cake
A rum cake is a festive dish perfect for holiday celebrations. The core of the recipe involves baking a sponge with an addition of rum in a bundt pan, and topping it up with rum syrup. This infuses the cake with moisture and richness that needs no frosting or glaze. Serving it with coffee or as the highlight of your celebratory feast makes it all the more delightful. However, for those avoiding alcohol, it’s important to know that contrary to popular belief, not all alcohol evaporates during cooking.
Most often, alcohol acts as a flavor carrier in various recipes. It plays a major role in dishes like a delicious rum cake or a red wine sauce for steak. Additionally, it enhances the flavor of other ingredients, such as in a penne alla vodka dish where vodka brings out the taste of tomatoes and tenderizes the meat. Even though a significant amount of alcohol does evaporate during cooking, 100% elimination is a myth.
Read more: 10 Of The Healthiest Beers You Can Drink
While cooking with alcohol, it’s crucial to remember that it’s impossible to completely cook out the alcohol from a dish. The residual amount of alcohol depends on the cooking temperature, the duration of time spent cooking, and the surface area of your cooking dish. The higher the temperature and longer the cooking duration, the more alcohol evaporates. However, some alcohol molecules bond with other molecules in the dish and remain present. Studies have shown that a small percentage of alcohol tends to remain in the dish even after prolonged cooking times.
Also crucial to remember is the impact of your cooking vessel’s size when baking a rum cake. The more surface area it has, the more it is exposed to oxygen, enabling the alcohol to evaporate more quickly if baked in a wider pan or skillet. Bear in mind the ingredients you are using and what you aim to prepare. For instance, a rum syrup topping for your rum cake probably hasn’t been cooked long enough or at the right temperature to evaporate a significant amount of alcohol. The cake itself would typically incorporate half to a full cup of rum, producing a cake with approximately a 5% alcohol content, similar to a beer.
Other dishes might not result as alcohol-rich as rum cake, but there can be many reasons to replace the alcohol in your cooking – it could be due to health, recovery, or religious reasons. There’s no reason to feel you’re missing out from the world of booze-infused baking. There are several alternatives to alcohol in rum cake and other alcohol-requiring recipes, focusing on preserving the flavor—where the alcohol merely serves as a carrier. Numerous ways exist to achieve similar flavors without alcohol, using cooking and baking ingredient swaps, including various vinegars, herbs, spices, and syrups.
A rum cake can instead be created using rum extracts, rum-flavored syrups, or a mix of ingredients like white grape juice, molasses, and almond extract. Alternatively, one can even explore non-alcoholic rum options. There are numerous non-alcoholic spirits that can replace their alcoholic equivalents, so go ahead and make your next rum cake an alcohol-free one, without worrying about the alcohol content in your next bake.
Visit the original article on Daily Meal to learn more.
Black Pond Brews Creates a New Beer to Support Anchor Brewing – A Story of Brewery Solidarity
Draft beer
Black Pond Brews in Dayville has re-released its Connecticut Uncommon beer to help brewery workers across the country, according to its Facebook and Instagram pages. A portion of proceeds from the special release, posts say, will go toward employees of Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, who are hoping to buy back their brewery.
Anchor Brewing, founded in 1896 and known for its Anchor Steam beer, was bought by Sapporo Breweries in 2019. Earlier this year, Sapporo moved to liquidate Anchor. Employees formed a co-op with the hope of buying back the brand and carrying on as a worker-owned brewery. The co-op has created a GoFundMe page for public help and a WeFunder page for would-be investors.
Additionally, some breweries are donating a portion of proceeds from special releases to this cause, according to beer industry news site Brewbound.
Black Pond announced the re-release of Connecticut Uncommon on Dec. 6, as stated on the brewery’s Facebook page. There was no immediate representative available to comment on the amount of proceeds to be donated. According to the Facebook page, it’s the first time in five years that the beer is available. The beer is offered on draft and in cans featuring the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco on the label.
Black Pond’s social media pages mention that Anchor Steam is recognized as a “California Common” style of beer. As reported by Brewbound, Connecticut Uncommon is a twist on this style.
A post on Black Pond’s Facebook page declares, “What sets ours apart is that it’s brewed with rye, providing a unique, zesty, dry taste that ends crisply”.
Black Pond is among the four California breweries that have released beers for this cause. As per Brewbound, other participating breweries are Enterprise Brewing Co., Fox Tale Fermentation Project, Mad Pursuit Brewing Company, and Ruhstaller Farm.
Historic Milestone Reached as Seattle Distillery’s Whiskey Ranks Third Globally
Westland Whiskey, a distiller based in Seattle, made history this month when one of its whiskies was ranked third in the world.
This recognition comes from the Whiskey Advocate, placing Westland’s limited-release Garryana Edition 8 in the third spot for its “Most Exciting Whiskies of 2023”. This is noteworthy as it is the first time an American single malt has breached the top three of this list.
The rankings compiled by Whiskey Advocate reviewers are based on blind taste tests, with no prior knowledge of the whiskey’s origin, age, or producer.
The following review is provided by the Whiskey Advocate regarding Westland’s eighth Garryana release: “This is Seattle, Washington-based Westland’s eighth Garryana release, and it just keeps getting better. The influence of oak is beautifully done, bringing out notes of charcoal grill, Krispy Kreme doughnut, Honey Nut Cheerios, and a slight touch of salinity on the nose.”
Garryana 8 trails only a pair of Scottish offerings in the ranking, beating out a slew of other well-known brands, including Maker’s Mark, Dewars, Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich, and Crown Royal among others.
“From day one, we set out to tell the story of place, and our Garryana whiskeys served as a profound milestone in stepping beyond what our industry thought was possible,” Westland Whiskey said on Facebook. “Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who have championed Westland along the way.”
Westland first set up shop as a small local distiller in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded to offer their whiskies at bars and stores across the globe.
Unveiling the Top 12 Wine Glasses to Watch Out for in 2023
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For reds, whites, and everything in between.
Real Simple / David Hattan
You don’t need to be a sommelier to appreciate a glass of wine—whether you’re enjoying a crisp white on your patio or pairing a red wine with your favorite pasta, the right wine glass elevates every sip.
“There are wine glasses for every occasion and wine style, but when choosing wine glasses, the main thing to consider is ‘how does wine currently play a role in your life?'” says , a sommelier, restaurant owner, and founder of the online wine education platform Raise a Glass.
To find the best wine glasses, we compared dozens of options while considering durability, design, materials, price, and care. In addition to Glasser, we spoke to , a certified wine expert and CEO at Oceano Wines, for pointers on choosing the right wine glass.
This mixed set comprises of both red and white wine glasses.
However, it might not be the perfect choice for those looking for a multifunctional wine glass.
The package from Zwiesel Glas Pure includes eight wine glasses, divided equally with four 18-ounce glasses for red wine and four 13.8-ounce glasses for white wine. Buying a mixed set is intelligent because it ensures you have a suitable glass regardless of the wine preference.
The wine glasses are crafted using Tritan crystal, a mix of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, contributing to a sturdy, resilient surface. Further equipped with a scratch-resistant quality and a robust nature that doesn’t crack easily, these glasses aren’t limited to usage only on special occasions. Even though the glasses calibrated for red and white wines differ in height, each one adheres to the classic angular shape and has a medium-length stem, facilitating a balanced structure for easy sipping. Despite the list’s pricier end, this set might not be the best fit for people wishing for an all-purpose glass.
Price at time of publish: $128 for 8
Material: Tritan crystal | Capacity: 18 ounces (red wine), 13.8 ounces (white wine) | Height: 9.5 inches (red wine), 9 inches (white wine) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
These wine glasses sport super thin rims.
Their stems are slender, requiring cautious handling.
For a wallet-friendly wine glass collection that doesn’t compromise on the luxurious feel and appearance, consider the Libby Signature Wine Glass Set. Included in this set are six stemless red wine glasses of 24 ounces each and another six 16-ounce wine glasses. The glasses feature a broad bowl size that promotes breathability, ultimately enhancing every sip’s flavor. Another feature we appreciate is the ultra-thin rim, which guarantees a smoother drinking experience.
These wine glasses are dishwasher-safe, simplifying the post-feast cleanup. However, remember to be extra careful with the stems—they are fragile and can easily snap with rough handling.
Price at time of publish: $100 for 12
Material: Glass | Capacity: 24 ounces, 16 ounces | Height: 4.3 inches, 5.1 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
It’s crafted from lead-free crystal, which exudes an opulent look.
This wine glass is incredibly fragile.
The Zalto Universal Hand-Blown Crystal Wine Glass is dedicated to wine experts and budding sommeliers. It is crafted from lead-free, hand-blown crystal, leading to this glass being thinner than your average wine glass.
We appreciate that the fine rim enables the wine to flow smoothly without any interference from the glass itself. It’s suitable for all types of wines, be it dessert, red, or white. Moreover, its size and shape are specifically designed to enhance the flavor in every sip. This wine glass is dishwasher-friendly, but we recommend treating it with utmost caution due to its thin and delicate structure. While this set may cost a bit more, we believe it’s a worthwhile gift for wine aficionados and everyone seeking a superior drinking experience.
Price at time of publish: $175 for 2
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 18 ounces | Height: 9.3 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Our wine glasses exhibit an elegance that lies in their extreme curves on each side.
They have a large bowl which might occupy more space in storage due to its size.
The Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir Wine Glass Set features a generously wide bowl to allow greater exposure to oxygen which accentuates the aroma and flavor of red wine. Furthermore, its dramatic contours enhance your taste experience of pinot noir and other red wines while also lending an elegant touch as you hold it.
This wine glass set is perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic dinners. Please bear in mind that these glasses have a capacity of 27 ounces and are considerably larger than average glasses, almost certain to take up more storage space in your cabinet or bar cart. While they can dramatically enhance your wine tasting experience, they come with a hefty price tag and would be costly to replace. Therefore, they should be handled with care.
Price at time of publish: $83 for 4
Material: Glass | Capacity: 27.16 ounces | Height: 9.57 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
It’s affordable, so you can buy more if it breaks.
Some people may have a preference for higher-quality, hand-blown glassware.
Chardonnay and riesling are best served in narrow glasses, such as the Marin White Wine Glass from Crate & Barrel, this type of glass helps to retain the aroma and maintain the wine’s chill, ensuring each tasting remains fresh and fine. Plus, it’s cost-effective, which means you can easily replace the glass if you experience any mishaps.
The glass is 9 inches high and holds 16 ounces, with an elongated stem giving it a stylized look, whether held in hand or displayed on a bar cart. Additionally, its durable make allows for easy cleaning, by hand or in the dishwasher. Because these glasses are sold individually, you can purchase just the right number for your next gathering.
As of the time of publication, the price is $9.
Material: Glass | Capacity:16 ounces | Height: 9 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
It holds 9.5 ounces of Champagne.
We would like this glass in a set.
Despite the name, you can use the Riedel Dom Perignon Champagne Glass for any Champagne you have in your cabinet. You don’t have to skimp on the liquid with this glass, either: it’s 9.5 inches tall and holds 9.5 ounces, so your bubbly should last you for more than a couple of sips. The glass is made from lead-free crystal, which has a sturdy finish and makes a satisfying clink for Champagne toasts.
Price at time of publish: $28
Material: Lead-free crystal | Capacity: 9.5 ounces | Height: 9.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
This sturdy option is perfect for casual drinks.
It might be hard to keep these glasses smudge-free.
This stemless glass may not be a purist’s favorite, but it’s excellent for entertaining or casual sipping. This glass is made from patented Tritan crystal, which is durable and practically unbreakable, according to the brand.
The wine glasses in this set are 5 inches tall—making them slightly shorter than the average wine glass. Despite their lack of stems, they exude charm and are comfortably held. We additionally appreciate that these wine glasses function just like standard drinking glasses: They are simple to cleanse and have a lower tendency to shatter in your sink or dishwasher.
You can employ these versatile glasses for wine, seltzers, or cocktails. However, keep in mind that holding it with your hand could lead to smudges and accelerate the warming of your wine.
Price at time of publish: $48 for 6
Material: Tritan Crystal | Capacity: 19.1 ounces | Height: 5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
These glasses have an heirloom look that you can pass down.
This stemware set must be washed by hand.
Colored wine glasses are making a comeback, and the Estelle Colored Wine Stemware has playful hues that are perfect for serving and drinking. These glasses are handcrafted with a quality that guarantees longevity – they could even become a family heirloom. If you have wine lovers in your life, these glasses could make an ideal gift.
The collection comprises six stemmed glasses, each boasting a unique color from the rainbow – magenta, rose, cobalt blue, coral peach pink, forest green, and royal blue. Hosting with colored glasses can be beneficial, as guests will easily identify their own glass, avoiding mix ups. When not in use, these vibrant glasses can create a striking display on a bar cart or in a wine cabinet. However, these glasses require hand washing and are slightly on the expensive side. If you are on the hunt for a set of wine glasses that will stand the test of time, these could be a fantastic choice.
Price at time of publish: $185 for 6
Material: Glass | Capacity: 16.5 ounces | Height: 9.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No
These glasses are stackable.
They might not look as elegant as crystal wine glasses.
If you long to have a wine glass collection but don’t have the cabinet space, we recommend the Hosteria Stackable Glasses from Bormioli Rocco. As the name suggests, the glasses can stack to save space in your cabinet or countertop. They come in three sizes: 8 ounces, 9.5 ounces, and 11.75 ounces. You can get all three sizes in an 18-piece mixed set or opt for a single size in a set of six.
These glasses are shorter than traditional wine glasses and have a thick, durable stem. Because they are made of tempered glass, they are sturdy and less likely to break. These wine glasses are ideal for entertaining guests and al fresco dining.
Price at time of publish: $100 for 18
Material: Tempered glass | Capacity: 8 ounces, 9.5 ounces, 11.75 ounces | Height: 4 inches, 5 inches, 5.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
You can buy them individually or in a set.
They are tall and take up more space in your cabinet.
If you want a universal wine glass for red and white wine, look no further than the Gabriel-Glas Stand Art Edition Wine Set. Made from Austrian crystal, the set has two elegantly designed wine glasses with no visible seams on the bowl or foot of the glass.
Each wine glass is 9 inches tall, with a long stem perfect for swirling wine. The glasses also have an ultra-thin 66-millimeter rim to enhance the taste and aroma of your wine. This glass is safe for the dishwasher, though we recommend polishing it with a cloth after washing. While you can buy these glasses in a set of two or six, they are also sold individually.
Price at time of publish: $68 for 2
Material: Lead-free Crystal | Capacity: 5.1 ounces | Height: 9 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
These wine glasses are made of durable Tritan plastic.
It’s not as attractive as authentic glass.
Made of Tritan plastic, this Vivocci wine glass set is shatterproof and perfect for drinks by the pool or picnics. It comes in a set of two, but you can also buy a set of four, six, or eight. There are two size options: a small 12.5-ounce set or a 20-ounce set.
While plastic, the material is BPA-free and contains no toxic chemicals. You can also wash it in the dishwasher on the top rack. Though we don’t like the plastic seam on the side, which spoils the aesthetic, we think this is a durable, stylish option for those prone to breaking glasses.
Price at time of publish: $20 for 2
Material: Tritan plastic | Capacity: 12.5 ounces, 20 ounces | Height 4.75 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The extraordinary magnitude of this piece is ideal for allowing wine to breathe, ultimately unlocking its rich aromas.
Finding a compatible cabinet for this wine glass may prove challenging due to its ample size.
When it comes to red wine glassware, size does matter, and this is perfectly embodied by the Hip Oversized Big Red Wine Glass. Its generous volume allows ample space for the wine to aerate, greatly enhancing its flavor.
Coming in at an impressive 31 ounces, this wine glass provides ample room for you to gently rotate your chosen red wine, releasing its bouquet of scents. Although the glass is dishwasher-friendly, its delicate nature necessitates careful handling and positioning within the dishwasher. Due to its height, exceeding that of average wine glasses, storage could pose a challenge. However, if its grandeur is not to your preference, smaller and medium versions are also available.
Price at time of publish: $9
Material: Glass | Capacity: 31 ounces | Height: 10 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Our top pick is the Zwiesel Glas Pure Mixed Cabernet & Sauvignon Blanc Wine Glasses, which are scratch-resistant and durable, making them great for casual drinking and special occasions. If you’re shopping on a budget, we recommend the Libbey Signature Kentfield Wine Glass Party Set because it feels (and looks) far more expensive than it really is.
Because the shape of your wine glass can impact your wine’s flavor and aroma, it’s important to pair your wine of choice with the correct shape. Wine glasses can be stemmed or stemless.
Stemmed glasses allow you to hold the glass without heating the wine, which can alter the wine’s taste. “These are classic and maintain the wine’s temperature, but they’re more fragile and challenging to clean and dry,” says Martin.
Stemless glasses are more casual, easier to clean, and easier to store because they don’t have a delicate stem at the bottom. “But they can get smudged with fingerprints and may warm your wine through hand contact.”
Wine glasses also fall into two main types: red wine glasses and white wine glasses.
“Red wine glasses are typically larger with a broad bowl for aeration,” says Martin. “White wine glasses are generally smaller with a narrower bowl to keep the wine cool and concentrate delicate aromas.”
Include both red and white wine glasses in your collection, or opt for multipurpose wine glasses that can be used for either. Moreover, consider a flute-style glass for sparkling wines and Champagnes; it’s specifically designed to safeguard the wine’s effervescence.
Typically, wine glasses are composed of crystal or glass, but you may also stumble upon Tritan crystal glasses. These are instilled with titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, ensuring a sturdy build that has less chance of breaking compared to usual crystal or glass.
Normal glass is your cheapest option, but nothing can outshine the beauty and allure of crystal. On special occasions, such a crystal glass might make all the difference. Crystal’s unique clearness and ringing sound are extremely valued, though it can be more expensive and fragile according to Martin.
Consider plastic wine glasses for outdoor gatherings, casual drinks, or travel. Martin suggests that plastic offers advantages like being unbreakable and lightweight, but it may lack elegance and has a tendency to retain odors and tastes.
The dimension of your wine glass significantly influences its taste and fragrance, hence it’s crucial to review the item specifics prior to purchasing. Important metrics are provided under every highlighted wine glass. As per Glasser, the majority of wine glasses measure 8 to 9 inches in height. However, stemless glasses are generally shorter, with an average height of about 4 inches.
The portion of the wine glass that holds the wine is referred to as the “bowl.” The dimension and volume of the bowl depend on whether it is intended for red or white wine. According to Glasser, the bowls of white wine glasses are typically smaller with a narrow opening at the top and an average volume of 12 to 15 ounces, which helps to keep the wine cooler for extended periods.
Maintaining a lower temperature for the wine also amplifies its acidity, which is particularly important for fresh white wines, as Glasser points out. “Furthermore, the reduced aperture at the top confines the aromatic scents, enabling them to affect your sense of smell more forcefully. Cooler temperatures also moderate aromas, so the smaller bowl compensates for this.”
Red wine glasses typically have a bowl that holds 15 to 20 ounces, according to Glasser. “However, they can be substantially larger depending on the elegance of the glass,” she explains. “This facilitates greater interaction of the wines with oxygen, helping them to breathe, or ‘open up’. This is particularly useful for intricate red wines, perhaps aged ones, that have a lot of character, and for which you’d like to discern the subtleties.”
Because red wines don’t need to stay cold to be enjoyable, the larger surface area of the bowl is not an issue.
While most glassware is typically dishwasher safe, you might want to hand-wash more expensive or delicate stems to ensure they don’t break. “Of course, if you’re splurging and buying Zaltos (which are $75 per stem), then I am hand-washing those with the utmost delicacy,” says Glasser.
After washing, we recommend polishing the glasses with a microfiber cloth to remove water spots and give them a good shine. “When polishing wine glasses, just be mindful that the weakest point of a glass is where the stem meets the bowl because that’s where a glass is most likely to break,” Glasser says. “I like to hold the base of the bowl with one hand and polish the rim with the other so as not to put pressure on that seam.”
While drinking from an expensive wine glass can elevate the experience, how much you spend on wine glasses depends on your preference and budget. “Expensive wine glasses are worthwhile if they match the quality of your wine collection, as they can elevate the tasting experience of fine wines and highlight imperfections in lesser wines,” says Martin.
Indeed, it’s completely acceptable to opt for less expensive glasses if you’re not keen on spending over $50 on one. Purchasing costly glassware might be worthwhile for those who frequently host social gatherings, as remarked by Glasser. But you need to be emotionally prepared for the inevitable occurrence of these valuable glasses breaking—”particularly when the third bottle of wine is uncorked,” she states.
Glasser also advocates for keeping a more affordable, robust set for larger gatherings, and reserving a set of four premium glasses solely for exclusive events.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, Martin suggests having a separate glass for each type of wine you relish. However, if you’re working with limited space, a multipurpose glass can be a practical alternative. For those who frequently host, it’s ideal to have a minimum of six wine glasses.
Mixing different types of wine glasses shouldn’t pose a problem as long as the quality remains constant across all, according to Martin.
“It depends on what you’re drinking and for what occasion,” Glasser adds. “If you have style-specific glassware, I’d try to adhere to that when possible. For example, white wine in white wine glasses and heavy red in Bordeaux glasses. But the wine police aren’t going to show up if you drink cabernet out of a white wine glass and bubbles out of a Burgundy.”
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, she researched wine glasses and spoke with experts to see which ones were the best for shoppers. She consulted , the CEO at Oceano Wines and founder of the wine education platform Raise a Glass, and , a sommelier and owner of .
Related: The 6 Best Wine Decanters of 2023, According to Our Tests
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Unveiling the Secret: Why Vodka Never Freezes – The Cold Hard Truth about This Spirit
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If you put wine or beer in a freezer, it will be frozen solid in just a few hours.
But if you put vodka in your home freezer, it won’t freeze, even after weeks — or months.
So whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver, crafting a vodka martini or mixing up a trendy Moscow Mule, having the beverage ice-cold — but not frozen — elevates the taste of the cocktail for sure.
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It’s very common to store vodka in the freezer so that you have chilled vodka ready at a moment’s notice.
Still, you may have pondered why vodka never freezes in your home freezer.
Whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver or crafting a vodka martini, having ice-cold vodka elevates the taste of the cocktail. But ever wonder why this spirit doesn’t freeze in a home freezer?
A science specialist uncovered the solid reality about why this spirit doesn’t freeze in an average household freezer.
The alcoholic substance in liquor is named ethanol.
Tara S. Carpenter, PhD, a key lecturer in the chemistry and biochemistry department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore. “Vodka is commonly around 80 proof, which intimates it contains 40% ethanol by volume,” she explained.
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“The other 60% is mostly water, although there can be added flavorings, sugar or dissolved impurities,” she said.
The freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water.
The freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F, she said, while the freezing point of ethanol is -114.1°C or -173.5°F.
Since the freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water — vodka won’t freeze in an everyday home freezer.
Bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages. Placing vodka in the freezer will affect it somewhat, however, it won’t freeze solid in your common household freezer. (iStock)
With an alcohol content around 40% (80-proof), vodka has a freezing point approximately at -16 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you store it in the freezer, it won’t freeze completely in a regular home freezer, according to Reader’s Digest.
Indeed, a neat scientific lesson.
When water and ethanol are combined, the concoction acquires an exclusive freezing point that is below the freezing point of water, due to a phenomenon known as freezing point depression,” explained Carpenter.
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That said, if you prefer your vodka without a mixer and on the rocks, or if shots of vodka are your go-to drink, storing it in your freezer is a sound strategy.
For most vodka, storing it in the freezer is the way to go, and it will probably make the shot much easier to handle, according to the VinePair.com.
Many Americans keep a bottle or two stored in their home freezer, but is that truly the best place to store it?
A variety of Smirnoff vodka liquors. Don’t fret about not storing vodka in your freezer — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream.
If your vodka of choice is top-tier, skip the freezer, Grey Goose vodka creator Francois Thibault told Business Insider.
If you prefer a more budget-friendly vodka, he said it’s not a bad idea to keep it in the freezer, since cold temperatures may mask the vodka’s notes or properties, which could be “aggressive” and “burning,” according to Thibault.
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So, deciding to store vodka in your home freezer is a personal decision.
Cold temperatures may mask a vodka’s notes or properties.
It won’t freeze, but the quality of vodka could impact your decision about whether to store it in your fridge or your freezer.
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Still, if you choose not to store vodka in the freezer, don’t fret — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.
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